Fabiano Edwardo

I would give these 4.5 Stars if that was allowed.

I bought these on deep clearance at Rupp Outfitters in Lansing Michigan about 10 years ago. The 10 M I bought is a little short for me, but the Edwardo model is specifically designed for high volume (wide, high instep) feet, so it feel good on my foot except in legngh. (I have to keep my toenails clipped to wear them.) These boots are nearly indestructable, so still might find a pair in good condition on Ebay. If you do, don't order a size that is larger than your normal shoe size. I fit 10 1/2 to 11 in most boots and a 10 1/2 would have been ideal in these.

Other than in fit, these are traditional, high end, all-leather, Italian backpacking boots made by Scarpa and sold under the Fabiano name. They use traditional Norweigen welt construction with a thick, one-piece, full-grain upper, a deep lug vibram high density sole, and a thick leather midsole. The midsole and stitching are completely exposed (no rands), which is great for resoling or crampon compatibility, but not so great for water resistance. I find that when the boots are dry the first bit of moisture will wick between the exposed edge of the upper and the leather midsole. As the stitches and the leather swell with moisture, the boots actually become more waterproof, but the medium rise and relatively low tongue gussets will let water in over the top if you use them to ford a stream deeper than 5 inches. Fortunately the all leather interior breaths and sheds water very well. If you bring dry socks, these should keep your feet dry enough for backpacking in anything less than a constant downpour.

These boots are my number one choice for winter use, especially in moderate temperatures when you are likely to see a lot of slush and ice. The deep lug sole really shines in slush and crusty snow, and the upper will not scuff, even if you have to kick-step you way up icy slopes slope. The boots are also great for use on abrasive terrain like prickley-pear infested short-grass prairie or lava fields and scree slopes. I have used my boots on and off for 10 years and they look pretty much the same as they did in year 1.

The footbed in these boots is non-removable hard leather that becomes slick during break-in. This works surprisingly will with the padded leather lining to prevent blisters and make the boots comfortable in most situations. The rubber cushioning in the heel saves weight and really does help smooth the ride.

If you have a high-volume foot, I highly recommend these boots.

After a long, exhaustive, and painful search I finally settled on these. I'm currently beginning my break in period for next season. They are beautifully made with a one piece leather and leather midsoles. I got them at Wilderness Sports in Bellevue, WA. Bad experience there with getting them exchanged for a different size. They fit their boots really large and convinced me that I should get a 10.5 when I normally wear a 10. Evidently Norwegian Welt type of boots have a tendency to shrink. I called the Fabiano Factory and they didn't quite agree with that assessment - although they said that any shrinkage could be mitigated by using shoe trees.

After taking in all the commentary, I purchased a pair of 10.5 Wide. I wore them around the house, and they just felt too big. I took them back to Wilderness Sports and exchanged them for a size 10W. Still large, but with insoles and extra socks, I think I can make them work until they shrink a bit. Problem is that I treated the welt stitching with a welt sealer - making this a "used boot" according to Wilderness Sports. They charged me $50! to take them back for an exchange. I know they're not as big as REI, but their exchange policy and attitude sucks! I thank them for introducing me to these boots, but I will never shop there again!

One-piece, full-grain Wasser HS12 leather upper, Norwegian welt construction, leather lining, two-piece leather and rubber midsole with half steel shank, Alpine gusset, Skywalk Backpacking sole.

An excellent heavy-duty backpacking boot that works well with strap-on crampons.